The food regulatory body in the United States (FDA) has announced a recall of 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries over potential Listeria contamination that could pose a threat to people’s lives if consumed. The affected batches were distributed across several US states, including Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as throughout Canada, US media reports said.
What is Listeria and how does it spread?
Caused by a bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), listeriosis can be very serious for pregnant women, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems. It can be fatal to unborn babies and newborns, health portals show.
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Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water and animal waste and can survive refrigeration and even freezing. L. monocytogenes can thrive in unsanitary food production conditions. It is generally transmitted when food is harvested, processed, prepared, packed, transported or stored in contaminated manufacturing or production environments.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Listeria bacteria are capable of cross-contaminating other food that has been cut and served on the same cutting board or stored in the same area.
Symptoms and treatment
Stomach upset, diarrhoea and vomiting are the initial symptoms of the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the infection can also spread through the blood and into the brain and spinal cord. If this happens, fever and chills, seizures, confusion, fatigue and lack of balance may be experienced. While these symptoms often start within two weeks of eating the affected food, it can take up to two months for them to appear, the website notes.
“If you've eaten a food that's been recalled because of a listeria outbreak, watch for symptoms of illness. Call your healthcare professional if you have a fever, muscle aches, upset stomach or loose stools. Let your healthcare professional know what you ate,” the Mayo Clinic said.
